In a shocking turn of events there have been recent allegations of corruption in New Orleans politics. Not everyone was fortunate enough to take Dr. Charles Bullock’s southern politics course at the University of Georgia, but even still, you have to be somewhat familiar with the history of seediness from elected officials down here west of Mississippi, east of Texas and south of Arkansas.
It is commonplace to blame all of these impurities on those in office. But after decades and decades of illegalities, Louisiana voters have to look at themselves. There is an obvious trend of electing people to office that may have a lack of scruples. Why is it that people down here continue to put these folks in positions of power?
Perhaps the corruption has gone overboard. There was a time when a politician could finagle a sweet construction deal for his buddy but the project would still be built. Now there appears to be more of a no work/no show philosophy. The tax payers’ money is still doled out, but there is no end result.
When most citizens of the world think of Louisiana their mind wanders to Cajun food, people with funny accents, bayous, Mardis Gras, Bourbon Street, great restaurants and massive alcohol consumption. But they also think of a contaminated environment and contaminated politicians. But this is something those hailing from the Sportsman’s’ Paradise seem to revel in. Maybe there is a reason why large corporations tend to settle in Houston or Mobile instead of the second busiest port in the whole freaking world. These businesses just can’t afford the kickbacks.
So hey, Louisiana registered voters, how’s about paying a little attention to who you vote for? Maybe, just maybe… It is not only the politicians that are ethically challenged, but the voters themselves.

THREE GENERATIONS OF HEALANS
“Don’t call what your wearing an outfit. Don’t ever say your car is broke.
Don’t worry about losing your accent, a Southern Man tells better jokes.
Have fun but stay clear of the needle. Call home on your sister’s birthday.
Don’t tell them you’re bigger than Jesus, don’t give it away.”
— from “Outfit” by The Drive-By Truckers

“I’m supposed to tip-out 20%? That’s like half of what I made.”

The ice cream truck in my neighborhood plays Dixie.

I will never get tired of laughing at people wearing Livestrong bracelets while smoking.

On the way to dinner the other night my dining companion had to hit the breaks to avoid hitting a guy crossing the street mid-block on his rascal scooter. I guess he couldn’t really get a ticket, the defense would have a solid arguement. “Your honor, my client is a parapalegic, so therefore it is impossible that he was jaywalking, or any other kind of walking for that matter.”